My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

a stone table and opened it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a group of children was surrounding her and staring eagerly at the

is

knife and a paper plate, preparing to cut into the cake for the

of a box to the side. “Today is Miss

the head of the group, which happened to be a little girl in pigtails, immediately said, “Wish Miss

sing the

her eyes and make a

must blow

head to indicate to Julian that there was no need to go

had the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

in your heart and not out

her head to look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even

and, under the gazes of the children, clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began to give

say thank you!” their parents instructed,

their paper plates, the children raced off, dabbing icing on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed

of the streetlamp, Rachel finally smiled for the first time in days. Thank you,

right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t need to worry

about me. I never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it never existed for now. At that point, Rachel’s expression was

changed the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder

turned and headed

apartment and about to

a loud slam, the door was propped

head up, Rachel saw Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all the more

he out on

the house and shut the door before surveying the

“I see you’ve been getting along fine without

steps back. Why are you

as he pulled off his necktie and threw it onto the

like unmelting icebergs as he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want me to ruin your

he approached her, forcing her back

had no idea

arm and pulled, she staggered after him